What are Rudraksha beads and where are they available?

The Rudraksha are the beads, which grow from Rudraksha- Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb trees from select locations of South East Asia (Java, Korea, parts of Malaysia, Taiwan, China) and South Asia (Northern India & Nepal). Rudraksha means Rudra + Aksha: meaning in Sanskrit is " Eye of Shiva". It is a gift of Lord Shiva for the benefit of Mankind. He himself wears it all the time. The tears of Lord Shiva i.e. Rudraksha beads, have been worn by the Yogis of India and the Himalayas for the thousands of years for the Fearless Life on their Path to Enlightenment and Liberation.

What is the importance of Rudraksha?

To change man spiritually and physically, Rudraksha plays an important role through major impaction on Central Nervous System of human to its physiology. Rudraksha is the holiest bead that links the human being directly to Lord Shiva. Rudraksha bring auspiciousness in wearer?s life and works continuously giving benefits.

Can all people wear Rudraksha?

Yes, Rudraksha can be worn by people of any religion, sex, and caste, as "Sun, Moon, Stars, Rivers and Plants have no religion". The wearer should have 100% faith on it, so that, the effect of the Rudraksha is magnified and cherished results are obtained. There are some restrictions for children below 4 yrs who cannot maintain the holiness of Rudraksha. They should wear only 4 or 6 Mukhi Rudraksha.

Does Rudraksha bring luck?

Yes, Shiva Purana specially describe that Goddess Lakshmi stays where Rudraksha is.

How to choose a genuine bead of Rudraksha?

Rudraksha have a natural hole in its centre. The face or mukhi in the outer surface represents the seeds inside the beads. There should be no confusion with the shape and size of the bead. The only thing is that the bead should be well defined and there should be no cracks and the bead is healthy and not eaten by insects etc. Rudraksha is recognized only by looking at the linings or mukhis on it. It is advised that the people should purchase Rudraksha only after observing the linings or mukhis. Lower mukhi Rudrakshas i.e. 2 to 7 mukhi are available in market without any faking. In the case of higher mukhis and rare mukhis i.e. One mukhi round or Gauri Shankar, some people artificially carve out lines on a natural bead of Betel nut or Berry to get the effect.
Some people think that Rudraksha, when poured in water, should sink and not float in the water or should rotate between two Copper Coins. These thinking are absolutely wrong because even a ripe or dry but genuine bead may float and a non-genuine bead may sink. People need to be aware about the ways in which a Rudraksha is faked and use simple procedures like observing the mukhi lines by Magnifying Glass, soaking in warm water to observe tampered mukhi lines if any etc. Therefore, the best way is to procure from reliable sources i.e. to purchase Rudrakhas from genuine & true suppliers.

How much time it takes to feel some effect after wearing the Rudraksha?

Generally, after 40 days of wearing, one can feel the changes in himself and his attitude towards life. But some changes are observed immediately.

What is the life of a Rudraksha bead?

Rudraksha is a strong bead and have a life of thousands of years if well taken care of. If it gets proper & well protection, then it may stay generation after generation.

Does Rudraksha have any medical use?

Yes, Rudraksha is classified as a seed of ELAEOCARPACEAE family and has many medicinal properties. It is widely used in preparation of Ayurvedic medicines.

" Rudraksha controls Blood Pressure". Is it true?

Yes, it is true. Dip 3 pieces of Five Mukhi Rudrakshas in a glass of water (preferably after sunset) and drink the water the next morning as soon as you get up (empty stomach).

Does Rudraksha helps in Sudden Nervousness?

Yes. People having such type of problem should keep a five mukhi Rudraksha with them. Whenever they feel nervous due to sudden shock and feel cold, they should hold it tight in their Right Palm for 10 minutes. They will regain their confidence as well as their body will start warming up.

Can the Combination of Different Mukhis of Rudraksha be worn and how can it be decided which combination of beads to wear?

Yes, the Combination of Different Mukhis can be worn. People can wear more number of a particular mukhi or a mix of different mukhis. Rudraksha beads can be choosen according to their properties. People may choose to wear one bead of different mukhi or multiple beads as wearing multiple beads enhances the power of that mukhi.

Can Rudraksha beads, Malas and Japa Malas be interchanged between family members?

No, these cannot be interchanged, as there is a relationship between Rudraksha and the wearer, which cannot and must not be shared with anyone else. But Rudraksha can be passed on to the next generation as a will.

Is there any harmful effect on wearing or using Rudraksha?

It has been found that the Holy Rudraksha never harms and never gives negative influence because this is not their nature and this is not what Lord Shiva intended for them to do, when he shed his tears for the benefit of mankind. Can the person who consumes alcohol and takes non-veg in food wear Rudraksha? Yes, he can wear Rudraksha and make it a part of body. His faith in Rudraksha will bring grace in his life. Gradually it will be found that the person is moving away from bad habits.

What are the precautions to be taken while wearing Rudraksha?

Clean your mala/beads when you feel they require cleaning after regular usage. Dip in Luke warm water. Add a liquid soap. Keep for 1 - 1? hours and then brush with a plastic brush to clean the dirt and grime that fixes in the pores of the beads. Then leave the beads to dry for 2 - 3 hours and then apply some oil on the beads by using a brush. Sandal wood oil is best mixed with light Olive oil. Oiling may be repeated whenever the beads seems to be dry.
Bead or Mala could be taken off while taking bath as regular soap could dehydrate the beads and clog the pores of the beads. Also Talcum powder clogs the pores of the beads. The wearer can take bath without removing them but should protect them from soap.